Key-identifying device



Feb. 22, 1938.

C. F. IANSON KEY IDENTIFYING DEVICE Filed May 6, 1936 fsw Patented Feb. 22, 1.938

UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE KEY-IDENTIFYING DEVICE Charles F. IAnson, Kenosha, Wis.

Application May 6, 1936, Serial No. 73,232

2 Claims.

This invention appertains to door and like keys, and more particularly to novel means for identifying the keys according to the use to which they are to be put.

Where a number of keys of substantially the same character are carried on a key-ring, or in a key-case, difficulty is often encountered in selecting the correct key for a particular lock. It is therefore one of the primary objects of my invention to provide a novel device for detachable association with all standard keys for carrying an identification plate or card upon which can be printed or written the door or lock for which the key is to be used, sothat the desired and correct key can be instantly picked out from a bunch of other keys.

Another salient object of my invention is to provide a key marker embodying an open frame for receiving the identification plate or card, having means formed thereon for holding the plate or card in position on the frame, and means for detachably securing the same to a key.

Another important object of my invention is to provide a key marker for association with key handles or bows of any conguration embodying a central tongue on the frame for engaging in the key-ring opening of the handle or bow, and bendable tongues for engaging about the sides of the handle adjacent to the key bit or shank.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a key identification means of the above character, which will be durable and eicient in use, one that will be simple and easy to manufacture, and one which can be placed upon the market at a small cost.

With these and other objectsin view, the invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement, and formation of parts, as will be hereinafter more specically described, claimed, and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which drawing:

Figure 1 is an enlarged front elevation of a standard key showing one of my improved devices connected therewith.

Figure 2 is a similar view of the device carrying an identification card showing the key is to be used for the front door.

Figure 3 is an enlarged front elevation of one of the novel devices illustrating the form thereof prior to being associated with a key.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal section through the same taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Figure 3, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring to the drawing in detail, wherein similar reference characters. designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the letter K generally indicates a key of the standard type employed for actuating pin tumbler locks. As illustrated, the key K includes the usual handle or bow 5, and the shank or bit '6. The 5 handle 5 is provided with the usual opening 'I for the reception of a key-ring, or the hook of a .key-case. The key K forms no part of my present invention, but has merely been shown to illustrate the use of my novel key identification device D.

The novel identication device D is formed from a single stamping of thin metal, or the like, and includes an open frame IEB having formed on its outer periphery a bent-back rim II. Formed on the opposite sides of the rim II are bendable prongs or lips I2, and these prongs are employed for holding an identification card cr plate I3 in the frame, as is clearly shown in Figure 4 of the drawing. Obviously, a thin celluloid sheet or other transparent protecting plate can be placed over the card I3 to prevent the soiling thereof. The prongs or tongues I3 are bent into intimate Contact with the rear face of the plate 0r guard I3 for holding the same securely against the inner face of the body portion of the frame I0, and this card or plate is adapted to have printed or written thereon the use to which the key is to be put.

Thus, in Figures 1 and 3 the card I3 is shown with the word Back thereon, indicating that the key is to be used for the back door of a residence. In Figure 2 the card or plate bears the word Front, indicating that the key is to be used for the front door. Other cards may bear the words Oice, Desk Drawer, Garagej Ignition, etc'.

If preferred and desirable the plates or cards can bear other indicia, such as the name and address. of the owner of the key.

One of the salient features of the invention is the provision of the novel means formed directly on the flange for permitting the frame to be associated with all shapes of key handles. Thus, the flange I I at its upper central portion carries an elongated tongue I4, which is adapted to be inserted in the key-ring opening I of the key handle or bow 5. After the tongue I4 is inserted in the opening l, the tongue can be bent back into intimate contact with the rear face of the key. The ange II at its lower portion, and on opposite sides of the central tongue I4, has formed thereon bendable side tongues I5 and i6. These tongues are so positioned that the same will lie on opposite sides of the key shank or bit 55 6, and these tongues are adapted to be bent over the key handle into intimate contact with the rear face thereof. The tongues i4, I5, and I6 vform-a firm securing means for the frame, and prevent twisting and accidental displacement of the frame from the key handle.

In Figure l I have illustrated a key with a substantially circular shaped handle, and in Figure 2 I have yshown the device associated with a key handle of a clover leaf form. In View of the fact that the frame engages only a part of the front face of the key, the same canbe associated with key handles of any character.

From the foregoing description it can be seen that I have provided an exceptionally simple and novel form of key identification device, which will permit the quick selection of the correct key for operating a particular lock.

Changes in details may be made without'l de,- parting from the spiritl or scope of my invention, but what I claim as new is:

1. A key-identifying device for association with the handle of a pin tumble lock key comprising an open frame lof a smaller size'than the handie of the key including a front plate and a rearwardly directed flange, an identification card fitted in the frame against the front plate and confined by said ange, bendable tongues on the ange for engaging the rear face of the card, a centrally disposed bendable tongue formed on the upper edge of the frame for engaging in the keyring o ening of a key handle, and oppositely extendi `bendable tongues formed on the lower side of the frame adjacent to the opposite ends thereof for engaging about the lower edges of a key handle. f

2. The combination with a standard door key for a pin tumbler lock including a handle having an opening therein for a key-ring, a shank, of a key-identifying device for detachable association with the handle including an open frame of a smaller size than the handle having a front plate and a rearwardly directed marginal ange for engaging against one face of the key handle, an identification card tted in the frame against the front plate and confined by the marginal flange, bendable prongs on the flange for engaging against the rear face of the card to hold the same in intimate contact with the plate, an upwardly extending bendable tongue formed on the flange for engaging in the opening in the handle, and outwardly extending bendable tongues formed on the lower edge of the flange for engagingrabout the lower edge of the key handle on opposite sides of the shank.

CHARLES F. IANSON. 

